Crystal Research and Technology
Cryst. Res. Technol. 43, 157 (2008) - Abstract -

High temperature synthesis and crystal structure of new representatives of the huntite family

P. A. Plachinda and E. L. Belokoneva*

Humboldt University Berlin, Department of Physics, Newtonstr. 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
*Moscow State University, Department of Geology, Leninskije gory 1, 119991 GSP1 Moscow, Russia

Keywords crystal growth, borates, polytypism, crystal field
PACS 61.50.Ah 71.70.Ch
DOI 10.1002/crat.200711071

Single crystals of REE, Al borates, new and known representatives of huntite family are obtained by annealing of REEBO3 on Al2O3 surface at 1100°C. Phase identification for REE=Pr, Eu, Tb, Tm, Ho, Yb has been carried out using unit cell parameter determination on single crystals. Crystal structures of C2/c (PrAl3(BO3)4) and C2 (EuAl3(BO3)4) - two polytypic modifications, previously determined for other REE’s have been studied. Formation of one or another polytype in similar thermodynamic conditions is probably dependent on electronic structure of rare earth ion. Crystal field stabilization energy in crystal fields of different symmetry is a possible factor of polytype stability.




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